Prince George
County, VA

Ace Hardware announces it will close Prince George Facility in 2018

Oak Brook, Ill., April 27,2017

Ace to restructure, strengthen distribution
network by opening new Retail Support Center in 2018


Ace Hardware Corporation, the world’s largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative, announced today a restructuring of its east coast retail support network that will strengthen the company’s overall distribution network in anticipation of Ace’s continued record growth.

By the first quarter of 2018, Ace Hardware will open a brand new Retail Support Center in Fredericksburg, Pa. This 1.1 million square-foot distribution center will serve many Ace Hardware retail stores throughout Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia, New Jersey and Washington D.C.

Following a rigorous analysis of the company’s overall distribution network, including its wholesale division, the company has decided to consolidate its distribution efforts to ultimately strengthen the overall retail support network. As a result, Ace Hardware will close its Retail Support Center in Prince George, Va., a small crossdock in the Baltimore area, and the Emery-Waterhouse operations in Portland, Maine and Pittston, Pa.

“Ace Hardware intends to grow even more aggressively over the next several years. As a result, we are augmenting our distribution capabilities to be faster, nimbler and stronger than ever before,” said Lori Bossmann, Executive Vice President, Supply Chain, Inventory Replenishment and Retail Support, Ace Hardware Corporation. “We are grateful for the service our team members at these facilities have provided to Ace Hardware and Emery-Waterhouse, and we will work with compassion to ensure a smooth transition during this period of change,” Bossmann said.

The changes to Ace’s east coast retail support network will take place in phases over the next 24 months, with the new Retail Support Center in Fredericksburg, Pa., and existing, recently expanded facility in Wilton, N.Y., absorbing distribution operations for the region. The valued team members located at the affected facilities, many of whom are tenured, will be provided with a full range of transition services over the next two years. Relocation opportunities will also be provided to qualified team members.

The restructuring does not change Ace’s strategic direction for Emery Jensen Distribution, Ace’s national wholesale operation which encompasses Jensen Distribution on the west coast, and Emery-Waterhouse on the east coast. “Ace will continue to grow its wholesale business with streamlined distribution and even greater strength,” said Mark Spanswick, President and General Manager, Emery Jensen Distribution. “Emery Jensen Distribution remains a valuable division of Ace Hardware. We look forward to growing the business across all regions of the country.”

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Ace Media Contact:

Kate Kirkpatrick
Corporate Media Relations
kkirk@acehardware.com
(603) 990-1478